Page 74 of Logan

Donald nodded slowly. “Or perhaps she was in the right place at the right time.” Not giving Logan time to respond, he continued, “She did her part of the mission without fail and then, at the end, worked with you instead of against you when she realized what you had to do. From what you said, it seems she saved your life.”

Silence descended as Logan’s mind shifted back to Alaska. “Thin ice,” he mumbled under his breath.

“What was that?” Donald asked, his head cocked to the side.

“Nothing,” he responded. “Just a saying I heard from someone.”

“I also wanted you to know that I understand what LSI will and won’t do from now on. There may be more cases I’d like help with, but I get your hard line.”

“You have something for LSIMT, send it my way, and we’ll consider it. We might not be able to take it, but we’ll consider it.”

“Understood,” Donald said with a nod. “Then, goodbye, for now.”

Logan stared at the blank screen, his body not moving. He finally lifted his hand to rub his chest, right over his heart. The pain was real, and the ache was heavy for the suffering Vivian had to endure, as well as the loss of her in his life.

Finally, he walked out of his office and headed upstairs. Alone. And destined to be alone.

41

ONE WEEK LATER

“Boss,” Sisco called. “You’ve got a visitor at the gate. Do you want me to let her through?”

Logan sat with Sadie, Cole, Landon, Casper, and Cory. “A visitor?”

“Yeah, and I think you’ll want to meet with her.”

Logan glanced at the video surveillance, and his heart started pounding a rhythm he thought was lost to him. Standing outside the lane in a rental energy-efficient car was Vivian. Taking to his feet, he scooted his chair back, nearly hitting the table behind him. The others turned to him, but no one spoke. He’d told everyone of Donald’s call… all of it. At first, he’d thought to keep what happened to Vivian to himself but found that it was a story that needed to be told—a warning not to take anything for granted when on a mission.

“Let her in,” he replied to Sisco. “I’ll meet her at the house.” Without another word to his Keepers, he hastened upstairs. By the time he made it to the front porch, Sisco was waving her off as she pulled up to the side.

Stepping out of her vehicle, she looked up at him. Long, dark, silky hair, gently blowing in the breeze. Navy corduroy pants curved over her hips and thighs, paired with a light blue sweater.Black boots. Petite body that he knew fit perfectly with his. She was pale and appeared thinner than when he’d last seen her. But she was so fucking beautiful, his breath caught in his throat.

As he closed the distance, his heart began to pound, and he wasn’t sure there was enough air in the Montana skies to fill his lungs at the moment. As he approached, he noted the forced smile darting about her lips and her hands twisting together. He gazed into her eyes, and her nervousness was palpable. Stopping a few feet away, he drank her in, but not knowing why she was here, he held back from pulling her into his arms.

They stood, silent, as though both were afraid to speak. Finally, he simply breathed, “Viv.”

She immediately pressed her lips together tightly before sucking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. “I thought this would be easier,” she said, blinking several times as she breathed in and out.

His brow furrowed in silent questioning.

“Seeing you again, that is.”

“I’m really glad to see you.” Seeing her uncertain smile again, he wondered about her motive. “Uh…did you want to talk…or uh…?”

“Yes, very much. I’d like some… um… I need some closure.”

“Oh. Yeah…sure.” The idea of her forever goodbye hitting him while in his home gutted him, but he also knew he’d want the memory of just having her be in his space. He offered his hand, grateful when she took it. The electricity from her fingertips had them both staring at their clasped hands for a moment before their gazes jumped back up.

Knowing this would be the last time her hand would be in his, he entwined his fingers with hers and led her up his front porch steps. He felt a gentle tug and looked down, relieved she was not trying to disengage his hand but was instead staring off into the distance, a smile curving her lips.

“Oh, my,” Vivian whispered, her voice filled with awe at the Montana vista. “This is breathtaking. To think that you look at this every day. Every sunrise and sunset. Wow.” Giving her head a small shake, she blushed as she quickly continued up the steps.

Throwing open the door, Logan led her inside, giving her the view of his open but warm living space and the minimal, comfortable furnishings. Offering her a seat on the sofa, he reluctantly let go of her hand as he headed to the kitchen, grabbing two beers before walking back to her.

Poncho was already sitting at her feet, purring loudly as his head was being scratched. The cat stared up at her, loving the ministrations, and for the first time, Logan was jealous of a cat. A tiny meow sounded out from in front of the fireplace, and Vivian’s gaze shot to the other side of the room.

“Sakari! You kept Sakari?” Vivian slipped off the sofa and knelt on the floor with her hand extended. Sakari rose from her cushion and glided on delicate paws to offer her head for petting. Not to be ignored, Poncho moved in closer, and soon, Vivian’s face was awash with a sweet smile as she rubbed both cats. She finally looked over and then moved to resettle on the sofa.

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